What Is RSS?

RSS (Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary) allows users to stay up-to-date on changing content. RSS feeds often include headlines, news, events, blog entries or other content that frequently changes. RSS employs an XML-based structure that includes a title, date, brief description, and a link to the full text of content. Feeds can be read through a feed reader, or aggregator, that often can be downloaded for free.

To View Feeds

Using Internet Explorer 7

You can view feeds using Internet Explorer 7 on the Feeds tab in the Favorites Center. To view your feeds, select the Favorites Center button , and then select Feeds.

What Is Podcast?

A podcast is an audio and/or video file that can be downloaded to a portable digital audio player (also known as an MP3 player). The word "podcast" is a combination of the terms "iPod" (Apple's portable digital audio player) and "broadcast." The subject matter of podcasts is often news, events, and commentary on current events.

The advantage of podcasts is that they can be downloaded to portable digital audio players, enabling podcast users to listen to or watch podcasts wherever and whenever they like.

To Get a Podcast Aggregator (MP3 Podcast)

Podcast aggregators are available for free, from a number of sources. Apple's iTunes software (PC and Mac), jPodder (PC), and Juice (PC, Mac, and Linux) are available as a free download, and to access a tutorial on podcasting, see the podcasting tutorial at USA.gov.